About

Raleigh's bright minds head top-tier technology, education and life science institutions; its artists create a bevy of cultural and culinary touchstones; and its storytellers proudly carry on the collective heritage of a rich, historic capital city …more

Restaurants

Foodies, rejoice! You're in one of the "Top 10 Tastiest Towns in the South" according to Southern Living magazine, and you'll quickly see why our culinary scene is gaining other national recognition. Farmers markets provide fresh meat and produce to restaurants that are focused on farm-to-table cooking …more

Things to Do

Best known for its world-class museums, best of Broadway shows and live concerts, capital area historic sites, professional and amateur sporting events and shopping mecca status with 11 major retail areas, Raleigh, N.C., truly offers a variety of entertainment all in one park-like, scenic setting. …more

Deals

Raleigh, N.C., is an affordable escape, whether you are getting away for a weekend or even escaping during your downtime while here on business. The area's hospitality partners have put together some added incentives, though, to keep you coming back again to visit. …more

Jammin’ in July: Best Bets for Live Shows from Music Impresario Dave Rose

Dave Rose is the man in the Raleigh, N.C., live music scene. A former touring musician, Rose has built a mini-empire known as DSE Music Group–consisting of Deep South Entertainment, Deep South The Bar and a number of other music-related businesses–by being the go-to guy in town for event production, band management, entertainment booking and, well, it’s a long list. Chances are if you’ve enjoyed live music in downtown Raleigh, he probably had something to do with it.

So, with July being one of the busiest months of the year for live shows, we asked Mr. Rose to provide his list of best bets. Yes, he produces a couple of these series, Oak City 7 and Pickin’ in the Plaza, to name two. But if Dave says check it out, take it to the bank.

Here are Dave Rose’s top picks for live music in Raleigh in the heart of the summer, with his comments:

120 Minutes at Oak City 7(July 7; pictured above)
Because everyone loves free concerts and the 90s. Experience local beers, local vendors and local bands, all for free.

Laura Reed at The Pour House Music Hall (July 8)
I was walking through a store once in Nashville and I heard the DJ over the radio say, "We’re both from the same hometown–Raleigh,” and he proceeded to play one of the funkiest songs I’ve heard in a while. Apparently Sheryl Crow thought so too because she heard the same interview and tweeted about Laura.

Author: Charles Upchurch

Charles Upchurch is a writer and editor based in Raleigh. When he is not working on behalf of his clients at the award-winning marketing and PR agency French|West|Vaughan, he enjoys contributing to WALTER magazine, covering the amazing people, events and vibrant creative scene that make Raleigh the enriching, energizing, blossoming Southern metropolis that it is.